Thursday, April 11, 2024 Midwest Center for Investigative Reporting
Farm bureau promised John Deere to withhold support
Over the past three decades, farm equipment has become more technologically advanced with sophisticated software embedded throughout the machines. Farmers are used to making their own repairs, but, due to repair restrictions imposed by manufacturers, are often locked out from doing so.
In early 2023, the American Farm Bureau Federation signed a memorandum of understanding with five of the largest tractor companies in the world, calling it a “private-sector solution.” In exchange, the lobbying organization promised not to promote right-to-repair legislation.
Fifteen states are currently considering right-to-repair bills, including in John Deere’s home state of Illinois, where the bill is languishing. Investigate Midwest dug into the influence the powerful farm and tech company has with its political donations and why advocates say the memorandum is not enough.
— Jennifer Bamberg, Illinois Statehouse reporter
Farmers have clamored for the Right to Repair for years. It’s getting little traction in John Deere’s home state.
By Jennifer Bamberg, Investigate Midwest
For more than a decade, farmers haven’t been able to fix their high-tech equipment. Until recently, manufacturer restrictions meant only company-authorized representatives could own and use diagnostic tools, and make fixes when needed.
In March 2023, in an attempt to address farmers’ frustrations, the American Farm Bureau Federation signed a memorandum of understanding with John Deere and four other farm equipment manufacturers.
Fifteen states are considering right-to-repair bills, including one in Illinois, the home state of John Deere's headquarters.
Read more.
GRAPHIC: US ag census showed fewer farms used manure as fertilizer in the Midwest
By Mónica Cordero, Investigate Midwest/Report for America
Between 2017 and 2022, the number of Midwestern farms that used manure as fertilizer decreased from 137,305 to 118,944, according to the most recent Census of Agriculture.
South Dakota and North Dakota saw the most significant reductions.
Search the graphic.
ONE DAY until the 'inside scoop' at Iowa City event
You are welcome to enjoy stories IN ONE DAY from five longtime journalists. Join us Friday, April 12, at 5:30 p.m. at Poindexter Coffee inside The Graduate hotel in Iowa City.
Iowa Public Radio host Charity Nebbe will host the event. Get tickets here.
This event supports the IowaWatch newsroom of Investigate Midwest.
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